Processor (CPU) installation

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Processor CPU Installation

Prepare

Motherboard

CPU

Memory

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Now you have the motherboard configured it is time to install the CPU and heatsink.

Installing a CPU is pretty easy, but must be done with care as they are quite delicate (and as you have just bought one I guess you know how expensive).

There are many different kinds of CPU, with different sockets depending on age and manufacturer. Most of todays processors use Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) sockets, these make installation a breeze.

Again, a little prep work can help. Have a look at your processor, checking all pins are straight. Have a look for pin 1 which you will be using to align the processor with the board. Have a look at the socket on the board - you should see a little mark, notch or '1' on the socket - this is your other alignment mark.

Open up the socket using the lever to the side of it. You should see the socket upen up to accept the chip's pins. Drop in the chip in the correct alignment. It should go in with zero force (clever name for the socket huh?). Remember - BE GENTLE. Close the lever. It should close positively, and may take a little pressure. If it feels at all uncomfortable, release the lever and ensure the processor is seated properly.

Attach the heatsink and fan to the processor. Most modern fans and processors come ready to install (ie. do not need pre-assembly). The fan should sit over the processor and clip into the motherboard or socket. There should be a power cable for the fan, this will clip into a power socket identified as CPU_FAN cloase to the processor socket on the motherboard.

Next: Memory Installation